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Semyon Slobonouv

Semyon Slobonouv

Testing athletes for concussions may induce mental fatigue in subjects whether or not they have a head injury, according to Penn State researchers. "Testing for a long period of time can induce fatigue," said Semyon Slobonouv, professor of kinesiology at Penn State. "But at the same time, fatigue is a symptom of concussion. How do you rule out fatigue if you get fatigued while taking the test?"

Slobounov's goal is to test all athletes at the beginning of their season -- specifically in high-contact sports such as ice hockey, rugby and football. In this way, if it is suspected that an athlete has suffered a head injury, there is a personal baseline for comparison.